MADISON – As Hurricane Michael barreled from the gulf into Florida, LifeSouth Community Blood Centers are asking blood donors and first-time donors to donate now to minimize the storm’s effect on the local blood supply.

LifeSouth is a non-profit community blood center that serves hospitals in Alabama, Florida and Georgia.

By donating in advance, residents help supply local hospitals and their efforts to supply blood for injuries or blood transfusions during the storm. LifeSouth needs all blood types, including platelet and plasma donors, Eric Franchois said. Franchois works as District Community Development Coordinator for LifeSouth.

Donors must be 17 years old or older, or 16 years old with parental permission, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be in good health. Donors must present a photo ID.

In addition, LifeSouth is conducting a “Save Lives and See Movies” campaign throughout October. Donors can save their money for popcorn when they give blood at the LifeSouth donor center in Huntsville Hospital during October.

“All blood donors will receive a free Fandango movie ticket as a thank-you for saving lives in our community,” Franchois said. The donor center is located on the main floor of the hospital, 101 Sivley Road in Huntsville.

LifeSouth provides 100 percent of the blood needed to treat patients at 12 major hospitals in North Alabama. “Each donation can save three lives. Those patients rely on donors like you to ensure that blood is available when they need it,” LifeSouth District Director Jason Hodges said.

The Huntsville Hospital donor center has new hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to noon.

LifeSouth has more than 30 donor centers, 45 bloodmobiles and 2,000 blood drives each month.

LifeSouth’s office address is 8190 Madison Blvd. in Madison. For more information, call 1-888-795-2707, ext. 55003, or 256-533-8246, email egfranchois@lifesouth.org or visit lifesouth.org.